Frusto-Conical Steam Diffuser for Desuperheater Mixing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing desuperheater apparatuses in steam lines face efficiency issues due to the difficulty in mixing water sprayed by nozzles with steam flow, leading to residual water droplets in the steam flow, which cause erosion in pipelines, particularly at pipe bends, necessitating a longer straight pipe section downstream to enhance mixing, constraining the system design.
Innovation Solution
A desuperheater apparatus with a series of chambers including a throttling section, an intermediate expansion chamber with a perforated basket filter, and a final chamber equipped with frusto-conical steam diffuser and spray nozzles, where the spray nozzles are positioned close to the diffuser to optimize steam-water contact and reduce noise, ensuring efficient steam desuperheating by aligning steam flow with the spray cone for improved mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water spray nozzles are used to cool steam, then steam temperature is reduced, but residual water droplets remain in the steam flow causing pipeline erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the steam cooling process into multiple stages using multiple chambers (first chamber with throttling section, second chamber with perforated basket filter, third chamber with spray nozzles). Each chamber performs a specific function: pressure reduction, filtration, and cooling. This segmentation allows progressive steam treatment, ensuring thorough water droplet removal while maintaining cooling efficiency, thereby preventing pipeline erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated basket filter acts as an intermediary element between the throttling section and the spray nozzles. It captures and removes water droplets formed during throttling before the steam reaches the cooling nozzles. This intermediary component prevents water droplets from entering the downstream pipeline, eliminating erosion while allowing the cooling function to proceed.
2Reliability
If a long section of straight pipe is provided downstream from the desuperheater apparatus, then contact time between steam and water increases improving mixing, but the system design becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs steam-water mixing and droplet removal actions in advance within the multi-chamber structure before steam exits the desuperheater. The perforated basket filter and spray nozzles are positioned to create thorough mixing and separation within the apparatus itself, eliminating the need for long straight pipe sections downstream. This preliminary action ensures reliable steam quality while maintaining design flexibility.
3Stress or pressure
If multiple chambers with throttling sections are used for steam pressure reduction, then steam pressure is effectively reduced, but the apparatus structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction function is segmented across multiple chambers, each with its own throttling section. The first chamber handles initial pressure reduction, while the second chamber with the perforated basket filter provides additional pressure control and filtration. This segmentation allows effective pressure reduction to be achieved through distributed, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforated basket filter in the second chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a throttling element for pressure reduction, a filter for water droplet removal, and a flow distributor for the subsequent cooling stage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall apparatus structure while maintaining effective pressure control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design significantly reduces residual water droplets in the steam flow, minimizing pipeline erosion, enhances desuperheating efficiency, reduces noise, and allows for a shorter straight pipe section downstream, improving overall system compatibility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first chamber 2 having a throttling section for steam pressure reduction in which steam pressure reduction depends on the position of a closing member 6 of valve means 5
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate expansion chamber 3 having an inlet with static means 8 located thereat for providing a steam pressure reduction
Implementation Method 3
a final chamber 4 which is equipped with water spray nozzles 9 having the purpose of cooling steam
Implementation Method 4
the spray nozzles 9 are positioned close to the diffuser to optimize steam-water contact
Implementation Method 5
frusto-conical steam diffuser and spray nozzles, where the spray nozzles are positioned close to the diffuser to optimize steam-water contact and reduce noise, ensuring efficient steam desuperheating by aligning steam flow with the spray cone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A desuperheater apparatus (1) for steam lines, which comprises a plurality of chambers (2, 3, 4) including a final chamber (4) whose upstream end is closed by a steam diffuser (11) having a plurality of holes (12) for the passage of steam. Spray nozzles (9) are associated to the final chamber (4) for generating respective spray cones therein. Advantageously, the steam diffuser (11) has a conical shape so that, at each spray nozzle (9), the perforated portions of the steam diffuser (11) are inclined in such a manner as to be substantially parallel to the lateral surface of the spray cones (C) generated by their corresponding spray nozzles.